A nondenaturing zwitterionic detergent for solubilizing membrane proteins and breaking protein-protein interactions. Combines the useful properties of both the sulfobetaine-type and the bile salt detergents. Commonly used for protein solubilization in isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional electrophoresis especially for non-denaturing (without urea) isoelectric focusing.

The method of detergent removal can be an important consideration. If dialysis is to be employed, a detergent with a high CMC is clearly preferred. Alternatively, if ion exchange chromatography is utilized, a non-ionic detergent (e.g. n-Octyl-β-D-Glucopyranoside, OG, O-1036 see structure,OCTYL-GLUCOSIDE DDM, D-1304) or a sulfobetaines.